Can we agree - exactly - when Rolex stopped being “tool watches”?

[kog]

The Rolex tool watches are still very much tool watches, even more so today. The SS used by Rolex today has much better properties than anything used in the past. Ceramic replaced aluminium and again because the properties of ceramic are superior to Aluminium. Sapphire crystal replaced glass/plastic again because of its superior properties. None of these materials would be considered to make a fine piece of expensive jewelry.

Because things shine or are expensive doesn't make them items of jewelry. The fact Rolex tool watches look bloody fantastic does not make them a piece of jewelry, the Rolex tool watch functions as advertised and has done so, consistently, for many decades. And its this unwavering reputation and the quality in the watch that has captured peoples imaginations and made Rolex a very desirable, luxury and iconic brand.

Its for these reasons I think Rolex is considered by many as a piece of jewelry.

I hear a lot of people ask why are Rolex so expensive, or the watches are not worth it. But what they don't realise is when you buy a Rolex you're buying into years of research and development by Rolex, you're buying into a network of trusted dealers and repair centres. After all you wouldn't buy a Farrari and take it to some back street garage to tune the engine. Rolex watches are built to a high specification and require a network to maintain peoples Rolex tool watches to that high specification. All these things and more make Rolex a rock solid, very desirable brand.

Rolex is better than jewelry!!

[Token74]

Originally Posted by bjw

Simple put, Rolex ceased making tool watches when the last steel bezel insert rolled off the line. While steel inserts will scratch, they won't break and tool watches are meant to be beat. While the ceramic are scratch resistant, they can break when hit just right. Tool watches aren't meant to have components that like that.

I don’t share this view.

The Rolex GMT was designed as a tool for pilots and I see no reason that a Ceramic bezel would compromise the ability of a Pilot to use the GMT as a tool.

The Daytona is designed as a tool to calculate speed and was primarily designed around motor racing, again, I see no reason that a Ceramic bezel would compromise the ability to use the Daytona as a tool.

The Sea Dweller was designed as a timing tool for Divers, with the HEV designed for use when saturation diving. Whilst there could potentially be a time when Ceramic could be compromised in the environment, it’s pretty long odds. And arguably, the DSSD with Ceramic is a better tool for diving than a 16600 with aluminium.

People seem to be mistaking ‘Tool Watch’ for ‘Beater Watch’.

Personally, I think the concept of ‘Tool Watches’ has been made largely redundant by digital technology, such as smart phones.


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[bluered]

If use as such the DS is 100 percent tool watch. Engineered from a clean sheet !

[Rolex addict]

I would say before I started collecting them. As long as I can remember, Rolex has always been a luxury brand and a status symbol. With the MSRP increases we've seen over the past decade, I would say Rolex has made a move to be an even higher luxury brand.

[ras47]

Before answering when Rolex stopped making "Tool Watches" we have to define Tool Watch. That's going to be different for everyone. For some it will be about the watch itself - the material, the complications, etc. For others it will be more about how the watch is used. I don't think we can even agree if Rolex stopped making tool watches, so when they stopped is moot.

[bjw]

Originally Posted by Token74

I don’t share this view.

The Rolex GMT was designed as a tool for pilots and I see no reason that a Ceramic bezel would compromise the ability of a Pilot to use the GMT as a tool.

The Daytona is designed as a tool to calculate speed and was primarily designed around motor racing, again, I see no reason that a Ceramic bezel would compromise the ability to use the Daytona as a tool.

The Sea Dweller was designed as a timing tool for Divers, with the HEV designed for use when saturation diving. Whilst there could potentially be a time when Ceramic could be compromised in the environment, it’s pretty long odds. And arguably, the DSSD with Ceramic is a better tool for diving than a 16600 with aluminium.

People seem to be mistaking ‘Tool Watch’ for ‘Beater Watch’.

Personally, I think the concept of ‘Tool Watches’ has been made largely redundant by digital technology, such as smart phones.


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True, good point.

[pickettt]

I guess the answer to the question is, “No, we can’t agree.”

[Token74]

Originally Posted by pickettt

I guess the answer to the question is, “No, we can’t agree.”

Ha ha - spot on!


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[Solo118]

Id say any watch that was 5 digit, when the 6 digits came there was much more polished bits and precious materials (ceramic being one)

Not too long ago, our beloved Datejust had a fully brushed bracelet!

[Solo118]

Originally Posted by Rolex addict

I would say before I started collecting them. As long as I can remember, Rolex has always been a luxury brand and a status symbol. With the MSRP increases we've seen over the past decade, I would say Rolex has made a move to be an even higher luxury brand.

Compared to AP, PP and the like, Rolex are pretty decently priced.

[Dsmith1974]

They never stopped being tool watches. People just don’t need them as much for tools now. Big difference.

[Speedbird-1]

Moot.

[sevykor]

Originally Posted by returntorolex

Which decade?



I’m going with 2000-2009 when Rolex stopped supplying anchors with the Submariner and Sea Dweller models.

When less expensive alternatives could do the same job at lesser price.


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[Greg5512]

I’m guessing the people who do hard work and wear their watches have better things to do than respond to this query